Estimation of Single-Diode Photovoltaic Model Using the Differential Evolution Algorithm with Adaptive Boundaries

Abstract

This study proposes a calculation methodology that determines the optimal boundary parameters of the single-diode photovoltaic model. It allows the calculation of the single-diode photovoltaic model when no reference parameter boundaries are available. The differential evolution algorithm, integrated with a step-by-step boundary definition module, is used to calculate the optimal parameters of the single-diode photovoltaic model, improving the performance of the classic algorithm compared with other studies. The solution is validated by comparing the results with well-established algorithms described in the state-of-the-art, and by estimating the five important points (cardinal points) of an IV curve, namely short-circuit, maximum power, and open circuit points, using a database composed of 100 solar photovoltaic modules. The results show that an optimal set of parameter boundaries enables the differential evolution algorithm to minimize the error of the estimated cardinal points. Moreover, the proposed calculus methodology is capable of producing high-performance response photovoltaic models for different technologies and rated powers.